# The True Face of René

**Date:** 08/22/2020

The excellent interpretation of a pedophile character, so controversial, undoubtedly very rarely seen on Cuban television, has evidenced the talent and merits that Roberto Espinosa possesses as an actor

Perhaps you mention his name and some believe they don't know him, however, if you say "machi" or René, instantly memories would come of the controversial character from the soap opera El rostro de los días, played by actor Roberto Espinosa. The excellent interpretation of a pedophile character, so controversial, undoubtedly very rarely seen on Cuban television.

Roberto began acting during adolescence, after finishing 9th grade. He joined the amateur group of Olga Alonso, under the direction of Professor Humberto Rodríguez, who taught him to love the profession and to know Cuban theater.

He approached the character of René through Anita Rojas, a professor at the National School of Art and the Higher Institute of Art, and with whom he worked in the soap opera Vidas Cruzadas, she was responsible for him playing René, as she recommended him for this character, which Roberto fell in love with instantly because of the challenge it represented, for that reason the director Nohemí Cartaya, did not hesitate to call him and propose it to him".

The character of René is a big step in his career. It is to assume great responsibility due to the real and intense nature of the situation it reflects, as the entire public awaits each night the broadcast of the chapters to see its development.

The heartbreaking story of the teenage girl Lía brings the issue of violence against women to the table.

From the beginning there was great chemistry between Lesvy Samper, Lilianita and Roberto. They were truly a family.

"During filming I felt supported by the team, we were always aware that the character would not displease the audience from the beginning, so we took advantage and added the humorous part that the public enjoyed so much, especially with the relationships this character had with the character of Irene, his sister and David, his ex-brother-in-law. I have thousands of anecdotes like the day Lesvy accidentally sewed a finger with the sewing machine…".

The actor Roberto Espinosa, in addition to becoming a voice against abuse and sexual assault, assures that as a result of the novel in which he plays a pedophile, thousands of people in Cuba have shared their experiences.

Espinosa, who has been in the public eye for his controversial character, opined that "we should promote more sex education in our society and prepare our children for an increasingly turbulent world".

About testimonies from people who have spoken about their stories, he confessed that many that he knew had suffered harassment. Other Cubans with experience also helped him shape the character based on the UN campaign against violence against women and girls on the island.

The actor is especially grateful to the "people close to me who told me facts that helped me embody the character".